Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of electric mattress pads and some shopping tips…
Electric blankets and mattress pads both work well to provide warmth while you are sleeping. Electric blankets were devised first and later on came the electric pads. Both have their own pros and cons. The pads provide heat from underneath your body, while blankets provide heat over your body.
Advantages
Using an electric mattress pad can help a person avoid the shock of getting into a cold bed. It can also be used to warm up the sheets. They are generally bought to avoid turning on the home heating system at night. This helps to save money. Many people who have used both electric blankets and mattress pads say that the electric warming mattress provide better warmth. The heat generated by the pads as compared to the heat generated by electric blankets, helps reduce the pain experienced by people who suffer from conditions like arthritis.
Disadvantages
Many people who have used them say that the pad after use is prone to developing some defects, and stopped functioning properly, and even stopped working completely. Also, there are many safety features and cautions which need to be followed when using an electric mattress, which makes it difficult to operate. A small percentage of people owning them said that the heating wires in the pad could be clearly felt, when lying on the pad. This makes it very uncomfortable. A very small percentage of people also complained that the pads didn’t fit their bed mattress properly, which lead to sliding of the pad.
Tips for Buying
Though there are complains associated with this product, like heating wires, some manufactures use thin wires which reduce the discomfort which may be experienced by users. Also there are features like when two people are sharing a bed, the electric mattress pads have heat settings separated in two parts of the pad, to provide the warmth requirement according to the individual lying on that side of the bed. So, buying the right product will ensure that such problems can be avoided. Many reviews, say that products by Sunbeam and Vermont are the best. However, check all the features about the products and see if the size will fit your bed properly.
Cautionary Tips
Make sure that you have sufficient control over your limbs, so that you can shut down the pad easily. People who tend to leave the mattress pad switched on the entire night should also avoid using it, as there is a possibility that the pad might pose a fire hazard when left switched on for long. It should also never be used on water beds. It should not be used for babies, as their sensitive skin can burn due to the usage of these pads. People who have condition like urinary incontinence should also not use both – electric blankets and pads. There is a very small possibility that electrocution may occur while an electric pad is turned on, but still people suffering from a urinary incontinence condition should not use these pads.
